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Review
. 2021 Dec;42(12):5183-5193.
doi: 10.1007/s10072-021-05165-7. Epub 2021 Apr 1.

Cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis: diagnosis and monitoring

Virginia Meca-Lallana  1 , Francisco Gascón-Giménez  2 , Ricardo C Ginestal-López  3 , Yolanda Higueras  4 , Nieves Téllez-Lara  5 , Joan Carreres-Polo  6 , Sara Eichau-Madueño  7 , Jesús Romero-Imbroda  8 , Ángela Vidal-Jordana  9 , Francisco Pérez-Miralles  10
Affiliations
Review

Cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis: diagnosis and monitoring

Virginia Meca-Lallana et al. Neurol Sci. 2021 Dec.

Abstract

Introduction: Cognitive impairment (CI) has a prevalence of 45-70% in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), producing a negative impact on their quality of life, personal life, and work. Early detection of CI has become an important aspect to be considered for an adequate follow-up, to optimize social adaptation and to implement specific cognitive rehabilitation strategies. The aim of this work is to propose a suitable cognitive evaluation of patients with MS based on available and efficient tools for diagnosis and monitoring purposes well supported by literature review and clinical experience.

Methods: A multidisciplinary panel of professionals from the field of neurology, neuropsychology, and neuroimaging performed a literature review of the topic of cognitive impairment assessment. This was combined and completed with their clinical experience to produce a set of recommendations.

Results: Some limitations to cognitive evaluation are described: shortage of time and resources during the neurology consultation, scarceness or absence of specialized professionals' availability, importance of tests adaptation, and doubts about its use to define therapeutic efficiency. We recommend a baseline and annual screening evaluation, and we suggest a baseline and periodic neuropsychological assessment. The latter ought to change to a recommendation with the presence of either positive screening test, or subjective to cognitive complaints, screening-test results and patient or family report mismatch, or in specific social/work situations.

Conclusions: Cognitive evaluation should be performed on all patients diagnosed with MS and throughout follow-up. It is necessary to support the creation of multidisciplinary MS teams to optimize the evaluation and follow-up of MS patients.

Keywords: Cognitive dysfunction; Multiple sclerosis; Neurophysiological monitoring; Neuropsychological tests.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Description of current reality considering factors of need and available resources
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